Probably the Scariest Experience Ever.... (Freshers Week - Tips and Advice)

Member Name: scottish20

Product:	Freshers Week - Tips and Advice
Date:	17/09/01 (410 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great fun

Disadvantages: Scarey, Expensive

I have no doubt when I say that the worst moment of my entire life was when I closed the door of my new room in Hall attThe University of Durham, having just hugged my mum and dad goodbye and I was left sitting amongst boxes and suitcases in a strange place where I knew no-one! And I wanted to cry so much but at that moment I had a choice - sit in and cry wondering what the hell I was doing and how on earth I was going to survive, or get out and find the rest of the Freshers in the pub.

I was physically shaking when I walked into the crowded 'Hogshead' - everyone was talking to someone and for about 30seconds I stood in the doorway debating running out, back to my boxes were I could shut everyone away and cry. But just as I was about to turn away, a hand was thrust into mine 'I'm X and I study Y and I'm originally from Z'.

What I'm trying to say is, no matter how tempted you are to hide away in your own little world of fear and sadness...DONT!!

Fresher's week is all about getting to know people, learning all about your University and course and for the first time in many young people's lives, their first experiences of living away from home. Some people handle Freshers Week wonderfully others really struggle, like me! But after you get over the thousands of 'What do you study?' and 'Where are you from?' questions, it's great and turns into a really big party!

Here are my top tips for surviving the worst and best days of your Uni life...

* Be yourself...in order to find a crowd who are truly like you, you must be yourself (and remember any act must be kept up for 3 or 4 years!!)
* Don't panic if you think you don't fit in...there are hundreds of other Fresher's and soon you will find someone just like you - it may take time though (I met my best ever friend when I was just starting 2nd year!)
* Don't cling to a particular group too early...
be open minded and meet and talk to as many people as possible and then you can settle with some good friends
* If you have any worries you must talk to someone about it...remember everyone is in the same boat as you and maybe a friend has the same problems as you - or speak to a tutor or a staff member in your Hall, generally people are keen to help.
* Dont get really drunk until the 3rd or 4th day of Freshers Week...people remember first impressions so if you make a complete pratt of yourself in the first few hours, it'll be difficult to forget!!
* Hold back on pulling until the 3rd or 4th day of Freshers Week (and don't go bersurk when you do go out on the pull)...as above - remember people pick up nicknames at this time and you don't want to be called 'Dirty Clare' or 'Loose Ben' for the rest of your Uni life! Also many people arrive at uni with girl/boyfriends back home and you don't want to be hitting on someone already attached.
* Make sure you phone your parents to let them know that you are alright and having a good time (if you mum is anything like mine, she really panics if she thinks I'm having a bad time)...and rememeber that they will be quite sad and scared for you too, after all you are their baby flying the nest!!
* Don't panic and have fun.

There will be lots of activities planned and many opportunities to meet new people. It's all very nerve-wracking but everyone survives. Just remember to give your new friends/course/Uni time - if you hate it after 2 days, give it a few more weeks and don't give in too soon.

Uni is absolutely brilliant and I can't see how anyone can fail to enjoy themselves - follow my tips and I'm sure you'll have a ball...GOOD LUCK!

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